MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers are ready to swing back into focus as the exciting race to make next year's Final Round resumes.
The Second Round will see 24 teams fighting it out in the upcoming window and also in the last window during February 2027 for the 12 tickets on offer.
Taking into account the all-important draw, First Round results and performances, plus the latest squad announcements, here's how our expert panel is calling it.
In addition to those nations fighting it out for a precious ticket to next year's big show, fixtures will resume involving co-hosts Lithuania, Belgium, Finland or Sweden during this window.
1. France (+2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: N/A (World Cup 2026)
Having reached the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final in Berlin, France showed their potential again, having also won silver at Paris 2024. Will next year see them end their long wait of 18 years without a Continental title? They look like they can cruise through their Second Round group and will be red-hot favorites to do so.
2. Spain (-)
Qualifiers First Round Record: N/A (World Cup 2026)
It was a fantastic achievement for Spain when they took the last podium step at the Worlds. They had some ups and downs in the German capital, but with Iyana Martin they have a special talent and influence. With veteran experience to also call upon, they look like being locks to advance and will be a frontrunner next summer.
3. Belgium (-2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 1-1 (Hosts group)
Looking like a pale shadow of themselves in Berlin in the Quarter-Finals, the Cats will want to have a productive window and bounce back from their World Cup disappointment. Even if their ticket is guaranteed as co-hosts, they will want to put on a show as reigning champions and get back playing the stylish basketball they're known for.
4. Germany (-)
Qualifiers First Round Record: N/A (World Cup 2026)
It was a sensational and historic FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 on home soil. Making the Quarter-Finals for the first time and then the Semi-Finals, that came despite injuries, absences and a shocking first day loss. They will be favored to make a Second Round splash, led by Leonie Fiebich and Frieda Buhner.
5. Hungary (+4)
Qualifiers First Round Record: N/A (World Cup 2026)
A memorable World Cup campaign saw them reach the Quarter-Finals for the first time in decades. Dorka Juhasz continued the level of form that saw her crowned EuroLeague Women MVP last season and with Reka Lelik and Virag Takacs-Kiss also showing their class, Hungary could now pip Germany to top spot in their Qualifiers group.
6. Italy (-)
Qualifiers Record: N/A (World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments)
Italy had the women's hoops family glued to the action in Berlin as they almost toppled the mighty USA. It was a memorable World Cup matchup, but they have to reset and will know they're in a super tough group with Lativa and Slovenia, so must play well. That means all eyes in their standout leader, Cecilia Zandalasini.
7. Lithuania (-2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 2-0 (Hosts group)
Lithuania drop a couple of places after some uninspiring friendly matchups, but it's still a glass half-full situation. The co-hosts of next year's showpiece have some top talents in Laura Juskaite, Juste Jocyte, plus solid vets and new rising stars. There is also the buzz from the positive EuroLeague Women performances by Kibirkstis-TOKS.
8. Türkiye (-1)
Qualifiers First Round Record: N/A (World Cup 2026)
After a challenging and winless World Cup which witnessed an early exit, Türkiye have turned the page with the appointment of Galatasaray playcaller, Fred Dusart. His first task is to navigate a very tricky group with Poland, Israel and Montenegro. He'll need Sevgi Uzun and Kennedy Burke firing on all cylinders to ensure they don't slip up.
9. Czechia (-1)
Qualifiers First Round Record: N/A (World Cup 2026)
There's also a new face on the Czechia sidelines as Martin Basta of ZVVZ USK Praha picks up the baton. He has a tough assignment against Spain, Bulgaria and Croatia. His nation look vulnerable without Emma Cechova who's still recovering from serious injury. The pressure on Elisa Joklova and Veronika Vorackova to deliver will be huge.
10. Slovenia (+2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 4-2
It's maybe over-confidence to push Slovenia into the top 10 after they misfired at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 and were then hit and miss in the First Round. But you have to think that even against Italy and Latvia, they have the quality combinations with Zala Friskovec, Jessica Shepard and Eva Lisec to get the job done.
11. Latvia (-)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 5-1
There's no change for Latvia although that were maybe susceptible to a fall after being drawn with Italy and Slovenia. Also, because while they have gained the services of the naturalized Kristina Moore, and can rely on the in-form Kitija Laksa, the retirement of the legendary Anete Steinberga is likely to be an absolute hammer blow.
12. Poland (-2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 6-0
It was a super unbeaten run for Poland during the First Round, led by the towering presence of Kamila Borkowska, as well as the big presence and production provided by Stephanie Mavunga. But now things get much tougher with matchups against Montenegro, Israel and Türkiye. They have what it takes to advance, but must be locked in again.
13. Serbia (+4)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 4-0
Dominant and yet to taste defeat, Serbia will be confident of doing enough against Netherlands, Slovakia and Greece to snap up a spot at next year's flagship event. Masa Jankovic is flying in EuroCup Women, with Ivana Raca and Jovana Nogic ready to do the business again too. With nothing to fear, Serbia could be group winners.
14. Great Britain (+7)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 5-1
After a shock loss to Austria, the Brits responded with five straight First Round wins and a coaching change. Now Krumesh Patel and his players have a huge chance to punch a ticket. With France group favorites and Luxembourg underdogs - it's surely a shootout with Ukraine for second. But can they do it without some of their big-hitters?
15. Sweden (-)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 0-2 (Hosts group)
Perhaps fortunate to keep their ranking after two losses, the strong mitigation is that Sweden head coach, Kevin Taylor Lundgren has been looking to the future and experimenting with younger players. While a ticket is already guaranteed, the co-hosts will still be keen to get at last one confidence-boosting win under their wing.
16. Greece (-2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 4-2
Can Greece squeeze out the results to progress to the main event? After a nervy First Round experience, they have a new playcaller at the helm in the shape of Styliani Kaltsidou. She must mastermind wins against Serbia, Slovakia and Netherlands - no doubt turning to the experience of Artemis Spanou, Mariella Fasoula and Eleanna Christinaki.
17. Bulgaria (-4)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 5-1
They looked impressive in the First Round and lost only once, but can Bulgaria sustain the momentum, or will there ultimately be heartbreak? They have not qualified in decades and to end their barren streak will have to beat Czechia and Croatia, if Spain win the group as expected. Khaalia Hillsman and Borislava Hristova will be key again.
18. Croatia (-)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 4-2
There were so many twists and turns last time, what Croatia will turn up? Nika Muhl who is still rehabbing, but Ana Marija-Begic, Ivana Dojkic and the newly naturalized Khadijiah Cave have the class to lead them through a tricky group, and crunch games with Bulgaria and Czechia. While 18th ranked, they have every chance of making it.
19. Finland (-3)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 1-1 (Hosts group)
While their top 16 place is eventually guaranteed, the Susiladies have work to do. Beating Sweden gave them a reason to be hopeful and they will be encouraged by the performances of Sara Bejedi at club level, who can shine along with Awak Kuier. This double-header against Lithuania will be very revealing ahead of moving into 2027.
20. Slovakia (+5)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 4-2
A generous rise for Slovakia still projects them to ultimately miss out, but they have put themselves in with a chance. They played a much improved Poland hard in the First Round and only narrowly lost both games - so they can compete. If they have everyone available, fit and firing, could they maybe sneak into next year's party?
21. Israel (-2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 6-0
Unbeaten in the First Round and with Daniel Raber continuing to be an absolute colossus, it's maybe a surprise fall for Israel. They can of course make the top 16 if they extend their form and winning run. But in Poland, Montenegro and Türkiye they have some difficult games to see out. Much will hinge on who can support Raber in her heroics.
22. Ukraine (+2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 3-3
It was such an up and down First Round for Ukraine, but they made it in the end. They have an interesting opportunity ahead with the games against Great Britain. But to book a return to next year's showpiece, they will need their top performers like Alina Iagupova and Tatiana Yurkevichus to be operating at their absolute peak.
23. Netherlands (-1)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 3-3
What a roller-coaster ride it was, with Netherlands taking a proud footstep into the Second Round. Opportunity still knocks and with the one-two punch of Laura Cornelius and Emese Hof, wins are always on the table to take. Greece, Serbia and Slovakia will hold no fears, so they have a shot, but are still arguably underdogs in the group.
24. Portugal (-1)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 1-3
It's maybe generous not dropping Portugal further, but their record was skewed by being in a three team group and suffering two losses to Serbia. They have a new coach in Jose Araujo, but scoring remains their biggest issue. Now they have to not only face a pair of World Cup Quarter-Finalists, but a dangerous Denmark too.
25. Montenegro (+3)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 4-2
This could be the ranking that comes back to bite, since Montenegro do have some eye-catching players in their ranks with the likes of Natasha Mack, Zorana Radonjic and Jovana Savkovic. But Türkiye, Poland and Israel are three tough and physical opponents. They will have to be in a permanent high gear to take their usual ticket.
26. Austria (-6)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 5-1
A harsh fall, but it would be phenomenal if this Cinderella story continued for Austria taking into account they will face Italy, Slovenia and Latvia. They can't be discounted completely as coach Jesper Sundberg and his players were immense in the First Round. They have talent, but this is a step up and arguably the worst possible draw.
27. Denmark (+3)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 3-3
These are exciting times for Danish basketball and especially with Julianna Okosun as one of the form players on the continent. The forward was exceptional in a national team vest in the First Round and is impressing in EuroCup Women. They have others who are also performing well, but seeing off Germany and Hungary is a huge ask.
28. Luxembourg (-2)
Qualifiers First Round Record: 3-3
It's still worthy of a big celebration for Luxembourg that they took this step of reaching the Second Round. But a combination of marquee players not being available and some tough opponents, including France in their group means this will be a step too far.
Disclaimer: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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